PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Dr. Bryant’s career in education began as an irate parent.  It was during her struggle with the public school system for a free and appropriate education for her five children that she realized her calling to become an educator. Dr. Bryant’s work history began in Business. She completed U. S. Bank’s management trainee program in Portland, OR and her first assignment was a Branch Officer in downtown Seattle, Washington. She later worked as a Program Administrator for First Trust in Denver, CO. During this time she had many encounters with schools and the American school system regarding her children. Her children actually attended a charter school, a private school, a parochial school, a parish school and numerous public schools. At one time, she even home schooled out of frustration with methods use to teach children of color. Little did she know, ten years later, she would enter the classroom to teach inner city middle school students in Denver, Colorado. 

Dr. Bryant formal teaching position began in 1996 with Denver Public Schools (DPS). As a teacher leader, she wrote grants for her school and classroom, and led a successful African infused Summer School program. As a special education teacher, she designed school curriculum and programming, and conducted IEP meetings. She completed the DPS Leadership Academy in 2003 and ultimately earned a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. She is also the author of Original African American Names: Undefined, an empowering tribute to her students with unique names.

In her dissertation, The Relationship between Teacher Qualification and Achievement of African American Middle School Students, Dr. Bryant writes: “Teachers are a guiding force in translating the school curriculum that emerges from established educational policy. Policymakers, parents and teachers must empower all students with strategies to succeed, but educators must first be empowered with an understanding of the dynamics of stratification, dichotomy, inequity, and hegemony in America. There is an opportunity to relieve the anguish of failure by allowing authentic conversations that include positive ways to dismantle mandated oppressive educational practices and policies.”

Dr. Bryant continues to challenge, channel and change young lives in education.  

EDUCATION

  • Ph.D., Educational Leadership and Policy Studies; University of Denver, Denver, CO; 2007
  • M.A., Special Education; Regis University, Denver, CO; 1999
  • B.A., Business Administration; Central Oklahoma State University; 1987